The 2005 Trailblazer lasts only around 150,000 miles with a lot of engine and instrument cluster issues. At $5,583 – 13,105 it’s cheap but they spend a lot of time in the shop.
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2005 is a bad year for the Trailblazer. Owners complain about computer issues, a slow and noisy transmission, as well as interior components breaking.
- Reliability ratings are terrible. There are more problems with 2005 than any other year. Some updates in 2006 make them slightly better, but they still lag behind the competition and were discontinued in 2009.
- Performance is good from the V6, but the V8 is a quicker option.
- The Trailblazer is safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is bad at up to 16 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Trailblazer?
- Consumer Reports mentions the sloppy handling, and it has low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Trailblazer a 4.2/5 liking the strong engines, but the interior is mediocre.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Trailblazer 4.3/5 and enjoy the roominess, but find electrical problems.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Have?
There are many serious problems with the 2005 Trailblazer including instrument panel failures, frequent check engine lights, and worn-out air conditioning systems.
Instrument panel and gauge failures are the most common complaint at around 75,000 miles. The cluster fails across many GM vehicles, costing over $700 to replace.
Check engine lights show up on many Trailblazers at roughly 90,000 miles. The source of the problem varies but includes oxygen sensors, air pressure sensors, and thermostats. Replacing sensors costs about $500 each.
Air conditioning problems are another frequent issue at roughly 80,000 miles. Worn out blower fans are the source of the problem, costing around $300 to change out.
There are 2 minor recalls including the windshield and passenger sensing system and not a concern once they’ve been fixed.
How Long Will the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Last?
A properly maintained 2005 Trailblazer should last around 150,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles shorter than top rated competitors like the 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals at $480 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most used Trailblazers will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace intake manifold gaskets for $600, heater hoses costing $525, and the power steering hose which costs $1,000.
Minimal problems with this later model vehicle. We do lots of driving since we live in a metro suburb area.
No major problems. It is a very reliable car. Have only had to have routine maintenance done on the car.
Yes it is very reliable. We have not had any major issues. We have taken the vehicle on trips across the state and does very well on long distance trips.
It has been very reliable. It has 165,000 miles on the motor with no issues. I will be selling it soon to buy a newer one.
It has had normal problems in the past. Normal wear and tear. I have replaced the motor mounts and the front differential.
There are no problems with my trailblazer and it is been very reliable. It is the best vehicle I have ever had.
The only problems it has are the dash gauges. There was a recall and it looks like this one never got done.
To me, it is reliable depends on what you are using to for. It doesn't take much to fill up the tank and it has a lot of room for groceries or anything you need room for in your car. The engine is good too.
How Much Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,583 – 13,105, making the Trailblazer around $1,500 cheaper than other midsize SUVs including the Highlander or Pilot. When new, the price range was $26,465 to $29,115. Depreciation is worse than rivals, losing 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Trailblazer?
There are two models of the Trailblazer available. Technology is very weak and the optional navigation system is so outdated that it’s missing streets based on owner reviews.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
LT is a step up adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Power Front Seats
- Remote Keyless Entry
What Engines Come In the Trailblazer?
- The base engine is a decently powerful 4.2L V6 making 275 horsepower that gets up to 16 MPG combined.
- An optional more powerful 5.3L V8 with 300 horsepower is available and gets up to 15 MPG combined. Performance is average, taking 8.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, and can tow up to 5,300 pounds.
What Colors Does the Trailblazer Come In?
How Big Is the Trailblazer?
The 2005 Trailblazer is an average-sized midsize SUV similar to the Pathfinder or Grand Cherokee. Passenger room is good in the first two rows, but the third row only has enough legroom for small children.
Cargo space is good, offering 43.7 cubic feet of room behind the second row, and 80.1 with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Trailblazer Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota 4Runner is a strong competitor costing $4,000 more. Where the 4Runner stands out is with better long-term reliability, but the Trailblazer is more powerful. We recommend the 4Runner since it will spend less time broken down and is more affordable to own over time.
Another rival is the Honda Pilot costing about $1,500 more. Passenger room and interior materials are nicer in the Pilot, but the Trailblazer tows more. We recommend the Pilot since it is a more reliable used SUV.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Yes. We have had few problems with this older model car. We also do a lot of driving since we live in a larger metro area.
Yes very good. Never have had any major problems with vehicle. Comfortable drive, a lot of room. Has heated seats.
Yes it is a great vehicle! It is a great family car and fits a lot of the things we need to get around with a toddler.
Yes it has been a great vehicle for me. I will get a new one in a year or so. It is a quality product of the Chevy corporation. I would buy one again.
Yes it gets me where I need to go. It is a good ride with decent gas mileage. It keeps me and my family safe.
My vehicle is very reliable for all these years. I just keep up regular maintenance and it is been very good to me.
It has been a very good vehicle that I will still drive cross country if I needed to. I drive 2 and 3 hour trips monthly.
I think it is a good vehicle depending on what its used for. Has a lot of room and isn't bad on gas. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks.